"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Monday, May 29, 2017

Failing to Trust God

Today's Reading:Isaiah 30:12-33:92 Peter 3:1-18Psalm 143:1-12Click on Text Link to Read OnlineFocus Verses: Isaiah 31:1; 33:231:1 - Woe
to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust
in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their
horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help
from the LORD. 33:2 - O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.Insight:
Isaiah
chides those who have turned from God and placed their trust in human
strength. It's tempting to trust in military might, political power,
or wealth, but none of those things are ultimately as reliable as God.
It's even more tempting to trust in our own strength, smarts, and
ability to scramble to get us through life.

The short
prayer offered up in Isaiah 33:2 reveals the authentic way of faith.
It's a wonderful prayer and reminder for all of us who see the fallacy
of trusting in ourselves or anyone or anything else besides God. Only
God can give us the strength to live with joy, endurance, and
patience.

Response and Action:
I
need to be very careful about where I place my trust. I am not smart
enough or strong enough to navigate and manage my own life. The money,
power, privilege, and promises the world has to offer me are never as
stable or satisfying as they appear to be. I need to recognize that
the strength and security I long for in life are only found in God. My
faith needs to be fixed firmly upon Jesus. I can live with confidence
only through Christ who gives me strength.

O
God, you are my strength and my salvation. Every morning you hear my
voice as I lay my requests before you. You listen to my cries for
help. I wait upon you with confidence and fully expect that you will
answer my prayers and strengthen me for life. I see that trusting in
myself, or earthly strength, is like building my life on shifting
sand. I will build my life upon the solid rock of faith in you. Amen.Spiritual Formation Verses:Proverbs 3:5-65
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
your paths straight.Resources:Isaiah: Trusting God in Trouble Times
by Howard Peskett

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About Me

I serve as the lead pastor with Valley Christian Church in Lakeville, MN and publish two blogs – Altered Faces (Faith, Humor, Life, and the Arts) and Useful Breath (a daily journal for Bible readers). You can contact me through my website which also has information about my music and ministry.